Make Every Journey Count at TU Dublin
A new academic year brings new opportunities, new routines and new habits. As students return to campuses across TU Dublin, there's never been a better time to rethink how we travel and choose journeys that are healthier, more sustainable and hopefully more enjoyable.
Every sustainable journey, including walking, cycling, wheeling, taking public transport or combining different modes of travel, can help reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality and create a more vibrant campus community. Each of these benefits supports a multitude of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 3: Good health and Well-being, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 13: Climate Action.
TU Dublin's latest Smarter Travel Survey 2024 shows that our campus community is already embracing positive action. Over three-quarters (76%) of respondents now use a sustainable or active travel mode on their main commute to campus, while many more say that they would like to walk, cycle and use public transport more often.
The first few weeks of university life are often when long-term habits are formed. By choosing sustainable travel from day one, you can build healthier routines, save money, boost your wellbeing and contribute to TU Dublin's commitment to a more sustainable future. The 2024 Smarter Travel Survey found that 52% of respondents said they commute the way they do largely out of habit. That means small changes today could shape your travel choices for years to come.
Consider if you could:
- Walk part of your journey?
- Try cycling one or two days a week?
- Swap a car journey for public transport?
- Travel with a friend or colleague?
- Explore a park-and-stride or bike-and-ride option?
TU Dublin is Supporting Smarter Travel
TU Dublin is one of the largest journey-generating higher education institutions in the Dublin region. Through its participation in the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Smarter Travel programme, the University is helping to influence the daily travel choices of more than 30,000 people, contributing to a healthier, safer and more liveable city. In 2026 TU Dublin was awarded Gold in the TFI Smarter Travel Mark, recognising the University’s commitment to promoting sustainable travel and encouraging greater use of walking, cycling and public transport among students, staff and visitors.
The TU Dublin community has already shown a strong commitment to sustainable travel, but there is still enormous potential for change. Many survey respondents identified barriers such as distance, infrastructure and confidence when travelling actively, while more than half reported that housing challenges can impact commuting choices. Despite these challenges, the desire to travel more sustainably is clear across our campuses. By choosing active and sustainable transport where possible, we can reduce carbon emissions, improve wellbeing, ease congestion and help create a greener TU Dublin.
One Journey Can Make a Difference
This semester, challenge yourself to make one positive change to your journey. Throughout the year there are plenty of opportunities to challenge yourself, build new habits and join fellow students and staff in choosing healthier ways to travel. Check out the Smarter Travel calendar of events and other sustainable travel campaigns that you can get involved in.
- 16-22 September 2026 - EU Mobility Week. This year's theme is "Mobility for Everyone", and focuses on ensuring transport systems are inclusive, accessible and fair across generations. In timing with the return to campus, it's the perfect opportunity to try a new travel mode or leave the car at home for the week.
- 1-31 October 2026 – Walktober. Challenge yourself to add more steps into your daily routine throughout October. Form a team, walk to campus, get off the bus a stop early or take a lunchtime stroll with friends and colleagues.
- 4 November 2026 – ‘Light Up Your Life’. As the evenings get darker, pick-up free bike lights from the Students’ Union and at Porter’s Desks and stay visible while travelling safely by bike.
- 11-26 November 2026 - TU Dublin Smarter Travel Survey 2026. Tell us how you travel and help shape future transport improvements across TU Dublin. Your feedback directly informs initiatives, infrastructure planning and sustainability actions.
- 26 November 2026 - UN World Sustainable Transport Day. Celebrate the role sustainable transport plays in creating healthier communities, reducing emissions and supporting climate action.
- 1-31 March 2027. Marchathon. Spring is the perfect time to get moving. Form a team, join the challenge and make walking part of your daily routine.
- 7 April 2027 - National Walking Day. Take a step towards better health and sustainability by choosing walking for all or part of your journey.
- 19 May 2027 - UN Global Road Safety Week. A reminder that creating safer streets benefits everyone, whether travelling on foot, by bike, public transport or car.
- 3 June 2027 - World Bicycle Day. Celebrate the bicycle as one of the world's simplest, healthiest and most sustainable forms of transport.